It drives me crazy that Les Mis is even in the conversation. They made the specific choice to cast actors/actresses with star appeal over, in some cases, picking the one who could perform the role best. Sorry, but if you're going to make a remake, that shit can't go unnoticed. Can understand if they nominate performances in the movie. But it's a joke for that to be in the running for best picture.

It drives me crazy that Les Mis is even in the conversation. They made the specific choice to cast actors/actresses with star appeal over, in some cases, picking the one who could perform the role best. Sorry, but if you're going to make a remake, that shit can't go unnoticed. Can understand if they nominate performances in the movie. But it's a joke for that to be in the running for best picture.

Well, it isn't really a remake. It's the first time the musical has been adapted into a film.

But I don't understand your argument. It's a joke to be in the running because it's adapted and because there are big stars in it?

One of the problems I've always had with the Oscars is that there doesn't seem to be enough appreciation for a good comedy script. Thought Safety Not Guaranteed was one of the cleverest scripts this year. I'm shocked it didn't get nominated at all.

Well, it isn't really a remake. It's the first time the musical has been adapted into a film.

But I don't understand your argument. It's a joke to be in the running because it's adapted and because there are big stars in it?

There are actors in there that were cast for star appeal versus "can they sing well." Russell Crowe is an obvious example.

And my point about it being a remake is that this is a movie that is based on a brilliant book. It has been adapted umpteen times and run on Broadway. If you're going to get nominated for it, it damn well better be ****ing brilliant. Other Oscar nominees and nominee wannabes are relying on highly original scripts.

One of the problems I've always had with the Oscars is that there doesn't seem to be enough appreciation for a good comedy script. Thought Safety Not Guaranteed was one of the cleverest scripts this year. I'm shocked it didn't get nominated at all.

There are actors in there that were cast for star appeal versus "can they sing well." Russell Crowe is an obvious example.

And my point about it being a remake is that this is a movie that is based on a brilliant book. It has been adapted umpteen times and run on Broadway. If you're going to get nominated for it, it damn well better be ****ing brilliant. Other Oscar nominees and nominee wannabes are relying on highly original scripts.

So yes, it's a joke for this to be nominated. Best performances, yes.

I agree about some of the casting choices. Most obviously, Crowe, but also Jackman. HBC and SBC also leave a lot to be desired. But I think the rest of the cast nails it. And I'm pulling for Anne to win her category.

I don't really agree about the adaptation element. If you don't think the movie is worthy, that's fine. But that particular aspect of your argument strikes me as a bit strange. Who care if it's adapted, and who cares if it ran on Broadway? This thing is it's own animal, and should be judged on it's own merits (or lack thereof). Which, I admit, may be easier said than done for those who are familiar with the stage version.

I happen to think it deserves to be recognized, but I don't think it deserves a win. I've only seen four of the nominated films, but I think the other three I've seen are much better films.